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It is super popular to travel for music gigs and festivals. But it can also be super expensive and stressful.
We have put together a guide with tips and tricks on saving money when booking accommodation and travelling to the event.
Book your hotel before tickets go on sale
You will likely know the dates of the gig you want to go to before you try to get tickets. Many sites allow you to book a hotel room with no prepayment and free cancellation. Get in quick and book a hotel for the night you need BEFORE the tickets go on sale, when the demand goes up along so will the rates.
Hostel/group stays
Many hostels offer private rooms. And if there is a group of you, you could keep the costs down by booking a private room for your entire group.
Alternatively, some hotels allow groups (usually four) to stay in rooms, which can keep costs down if you prefer to stay in a hotel over a hostel.
Stay in less obvious accommodation
Hotels, hostels and Airbnb prices go up when they know the demand will be high. However, you can book to stay in accommodation types not associated with going to gigs. Holiday parks and lodges are unlikely to increase prices, so you could grab a bargain, and have a fun staycation.
In some cities (such as Edinburgh) you can also rent out university accommodation. When the uni is on holiday, you can stay in an unused room, usually at a good price.
Stay in the next town/city
Another way to keep accommodation costs down is to stay out of the city where the gig is. Check there are sufficient public transport options available after the gig, and you can save a fortune by staying further out.
Book in advance
As soon as you know you are going to a gig, you should look at making your travel arrangements. Prices are cheaper the quicker you book.
Get a railcard
If you are travelling by train, you can save up to a third off your journey with a railcard.
In the past, we have made our money back from buying the railcard on one journey alone.
Check discount sites
Do a quick Google search to see if there are any discount codes or offers available for the journey you want to make. There might be a sale on, or an offer if you book through a specific website or app.
Travel off-peak
You can save loads depending on the time you travel. Check what the travel company you are booking with classes as off-peak and see what savings you can get.
Use a split journey app
You can save on train journeys that require you to change trains and train companies, by using an app that searches the times and works out the cheapest tickets for you.
Team it with a longer trip
Hotel nights are only more expensive on the night the gigs are on. So, if you fancy extending your stay, you could get a good price on rates either side of the gig and enjoy a longer trip.
Sign up for emails from ticket sites, the artist etc for the best chance of a presale link
Check any rewards apps such as O2 Priority
Sign up for emails from venues / check their social media accounts
Make sure you’re signed in to the ticket site (so as not to lose tickets at the last minute due to something like not knowing your password), and have a valid card added
Only have one booking site open, on one browser, on each device
If you miss out, and the artist is super popular, check the venue’s calendar for any gaps on either side of the date. More dates may be announced.🤞